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ETI’s position on EPP and the SWS

The SWS should be revised so that the EPP can be accommodated. Migrant workers should no longer have to bear the costs and risks associated with coming to the UK for work to support the UK agricultural sector, food security and the food service sector. ETI welcomes recent commitments from the UK government to extend the scheme, investigate EPP, reduce risks of labour exploitation and modern slavery, and remain open to making improvements throughout the five-year extension period. ETI is part of the Seasonal Worker Scheme Task Force, that among other things has raised these issues with government. Together with the Task Force we are looking at how the scheme might be re-configured to ensure workers do not have to cover legitimate costs associated with the recruitment process. To ensure EPP is accommodated by the SWS in a sustainable way, careful consideration should be given to how costs are embedded across the value chain, rather than borne by any one group. Ultimately the true costs of growing, picking, and packing UK produce must be reflected in the price of that produce.